Things To Do
in Zafra

Zafra is a compact, well-preserved medieval town in the province of Badajoz, Extremadura, known for its twin main squares, Plaza Grande and Plaza Chica, framed by arcades and historic buildings. The town grew around the Ducal Palace (Palacio de los Duques de Feria) and a fortress-like past visible in narrow streets and occasional towers. Zafra sits amid the dehesa landscape—open pastureland of cork oak and holm oak—making it an ideal base for rural tourism and birdwatching.

Visitors enjoy a relaxed pace, strong regional cuisine, and frequent local markets and festivals that animate the streets at different times of year.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the Historic Center
morning
:

Start your journey in the heart of Zafra by visiting the iconic Plaza Grande, where you can admire the beautiful architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy breakfast at a local café while people-watching and sampling traditional Spanish pastries. Stroll through the narrow, winding streets to discover hidden gems and local shops.

afternoon
:

Visit the impressive Alcázar of Zafra, a historic fortress that offers panoramic views of the town. Take some time to relax at a nearby park, enjoying the local flora and fauna. Savor a delicious lunch at a restaurant serving traditional Extremaduran cuisine.

evening
:

In the evening, wander the picturesque streets as the sun sets, painting the sky with vibrant colors. Stop at a tapas bar for dinner, where you can taste a variety of small dishes and enjoy local wines. End your night at a cozy plaza where you can mingle with locals and experience the town's nightlife.

day 2
Cultural Immersion
morning
:

Visit the Parroquia de la Candelaria, a stunning church known for its beautiful altarpiece and serene atmosphere. Attend a local market where you can interact with vendors and learn about regional products. Enjoy a fresh market breakfast featuring locally-sourced ingredients.

afternoon
:

Join a guided walking tour to learn about Zafra’s rich history and its role in the medieval period. Stop by the Convent of Santa Clara, where you can appreciate the architectural details and perhaps purchase homemade convent sweets. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a café that showcases local dishes.

evening
:

As night falls, partake in a local flamenco show, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Andalusia. Dine at a traditional restaurant offering a fusion of modern and classic flavors. Cap off your evening with a stroll through the beautifully illuminated town, taking in the magical ambiance.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee$2-3
🍺Beer at a bar$2-4
🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night)$50-90
🚖Short taxi ride$5-12

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Well-preserved historic center with atmospheric plazas and architecture
  • Excellent access to countryside experiences (dehesa, birdwatching, rural gastronomy)
  • Relaxed pace and authentic regional culture compared with tourist hubs
  • Affordable prices for dining and accommodation
  • Limited nightlife and fewer late-night entertainment options
  • Public transport connections are not as frequent as in larger cities
  • Summer heat can be intense for daytime sightseeing
  • Fewer dining options for strict dietary restrictions compared with big cities
  • "Hola / Buenos días" - Hello / Good morning
  • "Por favor / Gracias" - Please / Thank you
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "La cuenta, por favor" - The bill, please
  • "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?

Places to Visit in Zafra

Visit one of these nice places.

Plaza Grande

Photograph the elegant arcades, balconies, and lively street life—best light in the early morning or golden hour when terraces are quiet or glowing.

Plaza Chica and Ducal Palace façade

Close-up shots of the palace architecture, stone details and the contrast between the two plazas make striking images, especially at dusk when façades are illuminated.

Old town lanes and stone stairways

Narrow alleys, textured walls and rustic doors provide atmospheric street photography and portraits with a historic backdrop.

Surrounding dehesa and cork oak landscapes

Wide pastoral panoramas at sunrise/sunset, with scattered cork oaks, grazing livestock and dramatic sky compositions—great for landscape and wildlife photography.

Local markets and festivals

Capture candid scenes of local life, colorful stalls and traditional dress during market days or festival events (always ask before photographing people close-up).

Culinary Guide

Food in Zafra

Zafra’s cuisine reflects Extremadura’s rural traditions: generous portions, cured hams, vegetal and legume-based dishes, and a strong focus on quality pork and olive oil from the surrounding dehesa. Tapas culture is lively—small plates are an easy way to taste several local specialties. Wines come from nearby Ribera del Guadiana and other regional bodegas; pair robust reds with meaty dishes.

Zafra Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Jamón ibérico

Cured Iberian ham from pigs raised in the dehesa; you’ll find excellent slices in markets, tapas bars and specialty shops around Zafra.

Must-Try!

Migas

Fried breadcrumbs with garlic, paprika, chorizo or bacon and sometimes grapes or melon—traditional shepherd food served in many local bars and rural restaurants.

Guisos y calderetas (stews)

Hearty meat or legume stews—ask for seasonal versions at sit-down restaurants, often prepared with local olive oil and smoked paprika.

Torta del Casar (nearby cheese)

Creamy, spreadable sheep’s cheese from Extremadura; often served with bread or as part of a cheese platter in Zafra’s eateries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Weekly municipal market

Open-market stalls sell fresh produce, cured meats, cheeses and baked goods—perfect for sampling local flavors and buying picnic ingredients (check the municipal schedule for market days).

Plaza market stalls

Occasional market stalls and food vendors near the main squares offer quick bites and sweets during weekends and festival times—try local pastries and empanadillas.

Climate Guide

Weather

Zafra has a Mediterranean-continental climate: hot, dry summers and cool winters with greater temperature swings between day and night. Rainfall is concentrated in late autumn and winter, while spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A friendly 'hola' and handshake or light cheek kiss in social settings are common—use formal titles (Señor/Señora) with older people unless invited to use first names.

Meal times and siesta culture

Lunch is typically later (around 14:00) and dinner often starts after 21:00; expect some businesses to close in the afternoon for a siesta, especially outside peak tourist season.

Respect for tradition

Be respectful at religious sites and during processions or festivals—observe photography rules and dress modestly in churches.

Politeness

Use 'por favor' and 'gracias'—Politeness and a relaxed attitude go a long way in local interactions.

Safety Guide

Safety

Zafra is generally safe with low violent crime; petty theft or pickpocketing can occur in crowded places—keep valuables secure and be cautious in busy festival settings. In summer, heat-related issues are the main concern—stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and avoid strenuous activity during midday. Drive carefully on rural roads, which can be narrow and have livestock crossings.

Tipping in Zafra

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; leave small change or round up on casual meals, and 5–10% for attentive table service in restaurants. For taxis, rounding up or adding a few euros is common.

Payment Methods

Spain uses the euro; credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops, but carry cash for markets, small bars, rural establishments and busier festival stalls.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Pleasant temperatures, blooming countryside and ideal conditions for walking, cycling and outdoor sightseeing; spring festivals and holy-week events can add local color—book ahead for festival weekends.

Summer

Hot and dry, especially inland—midday can be uncomfortable for strenuous activities, so plan outdoor time for morning and late afternoon; many small towns slow down with siesta hours and evening social life.

Autumn

Mild weather, harvest season and fewer tourists—excellent time for food-focused trips and countryside walks; evenings start cooling, so bring layers.

Winter

Cooler temperatures with occasional frosts; daylight is shorter but crowds are minimal and accommodation can be cheaper—some rural attractions may have limited hours.

Nightlife Guide

Zafra at Night

Zafra’s nightlife is low-key and centered around the plazas: tapas bars, cafés and a handful of pubs stay open late, especially on weekends and during festivals. Expect a relaxed atmosphere with locals enjoying long evening meals, terrace conversations, and occasional live music; for more energetic clubbing, nearby larger cities offer additional options.

Hiking in Zafra

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Sierra de Tentudía trails

A network of trails in the nearby mountain range offering varied hikes, viewpoints and a chance to see native flora and sweeping countryside views.

Dehesa walks

Gentle trails through the iconic oak pastureland around Zafra—ideal for easy walks, wildlife observation and photographing pastoral scenes.

Day trip to Monfragüe National Park

A longer drive but worthwhile for dedicated birdwatchers and hikers; marked trails and lookout points provide opportunities to see raptors and diverse Iberian wildlife.

Airports

How to reach Zafra by plane.

Badajoz Airport (Talavera la Real)

The closest regional airport to Zafra offering limited domestic flights; reachable by car or bus in roughly 1–1.5 hours depending on connections.

Seville Airport (SVQ)

Larger international airport with many flight options, approximately 1.5–2 hours by car—well connected by road and regional bus services.

Faro Airport (Portugal)

An option for some international flights, especially low-cost carriers; driving time is longer (around 2–3 hours) but can be combined with a scenic cross-border trip.

Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez (MAD)

Spain’s main international hub; about 3–4 hours by car or train depending on route—useful if flying from long-haul destinations.

Getting Around

Walkability

The historic center is highly walkable with compact streets, pedestrian-friendly plazas and short distances between attractions. Some cobbled lanes and steps may be uneven, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Outlying attractions and countryside require a car or bike.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local families and long-term residents

Many inhabitants are locally rooted families who maintain traditional lifestyles tied to agriculture, local commerce and small businesses.

Older population

Like many rural Spanish towns, Zafra has an older demographic segment, reflected in quieter daytime hours outside peak tourist seasons.

Young people and students

Smaller but present—young locals and students often travel to larger cities for education or work but contribute to weekend vibrancy and local events.

Rural workers and farmers

Workers tied to the agricultural economy, including livestock, olive and cork sectors, are visible in surrounding areas and local markets.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport across Spain; local amateur and youth teams are active and matches are a common social pastime.

Equestrian activities

Horse riding and events tied to rural life are traditional in Extremadura, with riding schools and ranches offering lessons and excursions.

Hunting and shooting sports

Hunting is culturally significant in the region; managed hunting and related rural sports are part of local traditions (seasonal and regulated).

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic within Zafra is light and most places in the center are easily reachable on foot; narrow streets and pedestrian zones can limit car access. Regional roads connecting towns are generally in good condition but can be rural and winding—expect slower travel times between villages. Public transport consists of regional buses and some rail connections, but services may be infrequent, so plan schedules in advance.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Zafra.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in big cities—ask for vegetable stews, grilled vegetables, salads, legumes and cheese plates; speak the menu terms or request modifications.

Vegan

Vegan choices can be limited; bring snacks if you have strict requirements and look for markets selling fresh produce and olive oil to assemble meals. Many restaurants will adapt simple dishes if asked politely.

Gluten-free

Awareness of gluten-free needs is growing; tapas such as olives, cheeses, and some grilled meats are naturally gluten-free, but check for cross-contamination in fried dishes and breaded items.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Zafra has primary care centers and a comarcal hospital for routine and emergency care; medicine and basic services are available locally. For highly specialized treatment, major hospitals in Badajoz or Seville provide more options. Carry travel insurance and, if you use prescription medication, bring enough supply and a copy of prescriptions.

Discover Spain

Read more in our Spain 2025 Travel Guide.

Spain Travel Guide